A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cali vs. Castro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cali or Castro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cali and Castro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Cali or Castro?

Cali

Cali is Colombia's third largest city. Founded in 1536, can be explored on foot: walk under the shade of trees along the riverbank, admire the architecture of churches and other national monuments, and visit the city's many museums. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is primarily a destination for salsa and party but it also offers some great days out in the nearby natural surroundings. In Cali, travelers can enjoy music festivals, learn about sugarcane farming, and take in the mountainous landscapes.

Castro

The capital of Chiloe, modern and dynamic, has succeeded in keeping its authenticity even though it now has many gigantic supermarkets, hotels and other touristic infrastructures. It is located on the island's eastern coast, halfway between Ancud in the north and Quellon in the south, and is a convenient base for exploring the stunning sites in the region of Chiloe Island. The tourist information is located on the town square in front of the church.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Castro or Cali?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cali is $25, while the average daily cost in Castro is $88. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cali and Castro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cali $6.16
    Castro $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cali $12
    Castro $74
Compare Hotels in Cali and Castro

Looking for a hotel in Cali or Castro? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cali


Hotels in Castro


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cali Hotel Prices and Castro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cali $5.76
    Castro $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cali:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

Also for Cali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfers Cali (per way): $34
  • Alfonso Airport CLO to Cali or Palmira Hotels Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Alfonso Aragon Airport CLO to Cali Palmira Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $48
  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Cali/Palmira to Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) - Private Transfer: $24
  • Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airpot One Way Transfer: $19
  • City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $149
  • National Park Waterfalls Tour with Lunch & Transfer: $114
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cali City to Cali Airport CLO by Minibus: $171
  • From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport : $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Castro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Castro:

  • Chiloe Airport Private Transfer: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Cali or Castro?

Prices for flights to both Castro and Cali change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cali $8.77
    Castro $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali

For Cali, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Alameda Market Cali Food Tour: $14
  • Street Food Tour: $21
  • Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
  • Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $59
  • Patio Santo Style Rumba Dinner: $168

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cali $11
    Castro $21

Tours and Activities in Cali

For Cali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cali's Cultural and Historical Walking Tour: $14
  • Cali Salsa Tour: Learn the history, dance and play instruments: $15
  • Cali Salsa & Resistance Street Art Tour: $16
  • Walking Tour in the Historic Center of Cali City: $25
  • The Cali Street Food Walking Tour: $30
  • Cali Bike Tour: $32
  • Medicinal Plant Private Tour in La Galeria Alameda of Cali: $35
  • Coffee Tasting Experience in Cali Colombia : $35
  • Walking Tour: $35
  • Private half day tour in Siloé Cali: $35
  • Walking tour of the historic center: $37
  • Private Relaxing Massage Experience in Cali: $43

Tours and Activities in Castro

Here are a few actual costs in Castro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bosque Piedra Reserve Tour: $106
  • Castro Sightseeing Tour in Chiloe: $58
  • Dalcahue and Quinchao Island Full Day Tour in Chiloe: $123
  • Dock of Souls Trekking in Chiloe Private Tour: $189
  • From Puerto Varas: Chiloe Island Full-day Tour: $65
  • Full Day Private Chiloe National Park Tour Following "The Darwin´s Route" : $179
  • Lemuy Island Tour from Castro: $178
  • Lemuy Island in Chiloe Full Day Private Tour: $164
  • Pier of Light Full Day Tour in Chiloe: $156
  • Private Half Day Tour in Patrimonial Castro: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cali $8.68
    Castro $17


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cali and Castro, we can see that Castro is more expensive. And not only is Cali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cali and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Castro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Castro than you might in Cali.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cali Expensive? and Is Castro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cali or Castro?

Cali has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Castro. When comparing the sizes of Cali and Castro, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.